1967 Mercury Cougar XR7

Description

Where else can you get this much luxury, vintage muscle for so little cash? This real-deal code 93 1967 Mercury Cougar XR-7 offers a powerful 289 V8, a luxurious A/C interior, and a killer dark green-over-black color combination that will make it stand out among the Mustangs, all for thousands less. Where's the downside?

The Mercury Cougar was the Mustang's big cousin, and it carries itself exactly that way today, six decades later. The proportions are unmistakable, but this Inverness Green hardtop shows off bodywork that would make any Mustang owner jealous. Repainted recently back to its original shade, the work was done to a very strong, top driver-quality standard that looks really darn good today. While the overall look might be familiar, there's not a single interchangeable body panel between Mustang and Cougar, so the big cat has a look all its own. The slick paint has a fantastic shine and shows off upscale details like the gently flared fenders and the subtle arching crease that swoops up and down in the middle of the car's profile, all of which has been beautifully preserved over the course of the last six decades. The Cougar's hidden headlights and matching "electric shaver" grille are more Lincoln than pony car (yes, the headlights work properly!), and the new chrome bumpers are extremely nice up against the green paint, while the XR-7 spec exterior brightwork is likely original but still looks good. The black vinyl roof gives this Cougar a more grown-up look, and yes, the uber-cool sequential taillights are fully functional, too, while the XR-7 badging is right where it's supposed to be, which means you won't be sneaking up on anyone in this cat.

The Cougar's slightly larger footprint shows itself most inside, where the upgraded interior feels spacious and upscale. Twin black vinyl buckets might look familiar, but look how much stretch-out room there is between them, and the back seat is totally usable by real adults. Beautiful Dark Ivy Gold (Mercury's fancy name for dark green) matching door panels are XR-7-spec and are more high-end than what's in a Mustang, and matching Dark Ivy Gold carpets are the perfect complement, contrasted nicely by a set of thick, vinyl Cougar floormats. Instrumentation is nicely done, with simple gauges that almost look like Smith's instruments on high-end British cars, all surrounded by woodgrain trim that covers the dash and the factory middle console is a work of art that features an ornate, center-mounted clock in the stack – further cementing the car's upscale XR-7 vibe. This particular Mercury also offers a 3-speed "Merc-O-Matic" automatic transmission (AKA a C4 3-speed), a remote driver's side mirror control, an overhead console, a modern retro-sound AM/FM/AUX radio, and factory Whisperair A/C that's been upgraded with modern hardware, all of which are more in line with the Cougar XR-7s easy-going, luxurious lifestyle. And what we found to be most impressive is that absolutely everything works – all the gauges, all the dash lights, dome lights, dash switches, and even the gear-shift indicator light illuminates. There's even more room in the trunk, and it's finished with a new mat, a space-saver spare and no surprises underneath.

The Cougar XR-7 always packed strong muscle, so there's a potent 289 cubic inch V8 under the hood, just like it was optioned from the factory. It's been detailed for show under the hood, with Ford Blue engine enamel on the block, finned Cougar valve covers at the flanks, and a bright chrome air cleaner up top. You'll also note that the inner fenders, shock tower braces, and firewall have been finished with satin paint and match the quality of the rest of the car, and all the components look fresh and clean. The A/C is blowing cold, and power steering and a big front sway bar are the options you want in a car that's itching to be driven. Underneath you'll find the aforementioned 3-speed automatic transmission and a 9-inch rear with easy-cruising 3.00 gears, so this big cat just whispers down the highway. Easy living shows up in gorgeous floors that show only a light dusting of satin black undercoating, so it's not hiding anything, and a throaty Flowmaster dual exhaust system gives the Cougar a nice V8 rumble without getting out of character. Shiny Mag wheels add an upscale finish to this sporty Merc, and they wear thick and grippy 225/60/14 BFGoodrich T/A white-letter rubbers all-around.

A little off the beaten path, but this Cougar XR-7 is every bit as delightful as an early Mustang to own and drive, all for a lot less money. Call today!